Cutting machine for plastic material



J. J. GANO CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL June 9, 1953 Filed Jan.2,

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June 9, 1-953 J. J. GANO 2,641,041

CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Filed Jan. 2, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2v mum" V JNVENTOR.

June 1953 J. J. GANO 2,641,041

CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Fild Jan. 2, 1948 I 7 Sheets-Sheet3 INVEN TOR.

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CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Filed Jan. 2, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 5G3 HO 105 O4 02 IO? F "3-. El IF Q INVENTOR.

June 9, 1953 J. J. GANO 2,641,041

' CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Filed Jan. 2, 1948 '7Sheets-Sheet 6 TIE-I l3 I'll;- l4

INVENTOR- June 9, 1953 J, J, GANQ 2,641,041

CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Fil ed Jan. 2, 1948 v Sheets-Sheet7 IN V EN TOR. 4

Patented June 9, 1953 CUTTING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC MATERIAL Joseph J.Gano, Worcester, Mass., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Julianna Orbell, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application January 2, 1948, Serial No. 275

3 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for cuttting plastic substances,particularly clay products that are produced by extrusion in the form ofa continuous column such as building tile, for instance.

In the manufacture of brick and hollow tile by the stiff mud process,the clay is tempered with water and the mixture is pugged into ahomogeneous mass which is pushed through a die as a continuous column.While the clay is still in plastic form upon issuing from the die, thecolumn is cut into lengths. The machines for cutting the column employwires which are pushed through the clay transversely of the column. Theuse of wires only for cutting require that end surfaces of the units bein one plane for each unit.

The present invention has, as its principal object, apparatus that willcut irregular contours for the end surfaces of brick or tile units.Another object is the provision of apparatus for simultaneously cuttingoff and recessing the end surfaces of blocks. Still another objectprovides for cutting a tongue and groove onto the end surfaces ofblocks. A further object is to provide for the cutting of holesintermediate the end surfaces of the blocks.

Another object is to provide a block with end recesses that will form alock for mortar in a wall construction. Still another object is toprovide a block that will interlock with the next adjacent blocks in awall construction resulting in a stronger wall. A further object is toprovide a block that will render a wall impervious to moisturepenetration. A still further object is to provide a block that willfacilitate the installation of plumbing and electrical fixtures in awall.

Another object is the provision of an automatic and high speed machinefor cutting units from a continuous clay column. Another object is toprovide a cutting machine with a novel yet simple device forreciprocating the machine longitudinally with respect to the column. Afurther object is to provide a novel oscillating clutch mechanism. Astill further object is to provide a mechanism for producing rotatingintermittent motion.

These and other objects will be more fully understood by reference tothe accompanying drawings and description.

- In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the cutting machine with the support forthe timing and carriage return mechanisms omitted in order to show otherparts in detail.

Figure 2 is an elevation of the cutting machine from the leaving end.

Figure 3 is an elevation of the mechanism for securing intermittentmotion of the cutter and ejector frames.

Figure 4 is a front elevation showing the timing and carriage returnmechanisms.

Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the apparatus for cutting a blockwith end recesses.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the apparatus for cuttinga tongue andgroove on the end surface of a block.

Figure '7 is a bottom view showing the method of applying a cutting wireto the semi-cylinder of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a side view of the oscillating clutch of the carriage returnmechanism when the carriage is at rest.

Figures 9 is a side view of the oscillating clutch when the carriagestarts to return.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a portion of the platen of the cuttingmechanism.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a portion of the column after it has beencut with the cutting apparatus of Figure 5.

Figure 12 is a plan view of a portion of the column after it has beencut with the apparatus of Figure 6.

Figure 13 is a plan view of clay blocks with end recesses as they wouldappear in a wall construction.

Figure 14 is a plan view of clay blocks with end recesses andinterlocking tongue and groove as they would appear in a wallconstruction.

Figure 15 is a longitudinal section of the oscillating clutch mechanism.

Figure 16 is a transverse section taken in the plane l6l6 of Figure 15.

I Referring to Figures 1 and 2 and accompanying drawings, the presentembodiment of the invention consists of main carriage 3 which canreciprocate in a longitudinal direction with respect to column of clayI. Carriage 3, fabricated from metal bars, is a rectangular framework.Horizontally spaced channels 8, tied by bridge bars i9 form the base.Vertical bars 7 are attached to channels 8. The top of the frameworkconsists of angle bars 9 and I8 which are attached together to form arectangle and the unit is attached to bars 1. Angle bars I 3 are securedto corner posts 1. Platens II and 12 are attached to angle bars I3. Theclay column passes over platens II and I2 and clears the top 3 of thecarriage framework. At each end of horizontal angle bars 9 and I3 aremounted blocks 23, each having two bearings that permit hollow shafts 24and 48 to slide vertically within them.

Hollow shafts 24 comprise the corner posts of rectangular cutter frame 4which carries the apparatus for cutting the clay column into lengths.The top of the cutter frame consists of angle bars 26 and 28 which aresecured together forming a horizontal rectangular frame. The cornerposts 24 are connected at the bottom by means of horizontal angle bars25 and brackets 40. Brackets 39 attach the top framework of bars 26 and28 to corner posts 24. By means of brackets 29 and horizontal round bars21, the vertical sections of the cutter frame are transversely tied atthe bottom. The rigid framework can reciprocate vertically withincarriage 3 by means of shafts 24 sliding in bearings 23.

The top of the cutter framework carries the apparatus for cutting theclay column. As shown in Figure 1, the machine can out three unitssimultaneously, but the machine may be designed to cut any number ofunits. In Figure 2, horizontal bridge bars 33 are mounted transverselyon angle bars 26. Extending downward from bridges 30, near each end, arewire brackets 33. At the bottom of one set of the wire brackets aresecured wire hooks 34 onto which the cutting wires 31 are looped. Theother set of wire brackets carry wire hooks '35 which can slide inbearings of the brackets, permitting springs 36 to maintain a tension onthe cutting wires.

Figure 5 shows the details of the mounting of the apparatus for cuttingvertical holes into the clay colmun. Two small diameter, thin walledcylindrical tubes 3| are vertically mounted on each bridge so that theywill cut into the clay column a short distance from the sides. Column I,as shown, can be cut into hollow tile blocks. Tubes 3| are approximatelycentered in the double side walls I66 of the column. In order to mountthem on bridges 30, each of tubes 3| has a collar 31a, pressed on orattached by other suitable means. bridges.

Aligned with the center of the column is a set of large diameterthin-walled cylindrical tubes 32. Near the top of the tubes are mountedradial ball bearings I26. Collars I25 are pressed on or secured to thetubes by some other suitable means. Enclosures I52 lock the inner racesof the ball bearings. The bearings are enclosed in housings 38 in whichthe outer races are secured. The housings are mounted on bridges 130.This ball bearing assembly enables the tube to rotate.

Referring to Figure 1 again, as means for driving tubes 32, electricalmotor 4I is mounted vertically on bracket 42 which in turn is secured tothe top of cutter framework 4. The shaft of the motor holds doublepulley 43. Through belts 43 and double pulleys 44, the two nearest tubesare driven. Pulleys 44 in turn drive the two end tubes through belts 41and pulleys 45. Thus the rotation of motor 4| will cause the rotation ofall the center tubes.

To guide both small tubes 3| and large tubes 32, guide plates I34 aretransversely mounted on angle bars 9 of carriage 3. As shown in Figure5, the guide plates contain bearing holes to permit the tubes to slidethrough them. Attached to the guide plates are housings I3I for thelarge tubes and housings I32 for the small tubes. Within these housingsis oil impregnated fabric I32. As the tubes slide vertically, a film ofoil is The collars are secured to the deposited on the outside surfaceof the tubes. The inside surface is lubricated through holes I33 in thewalls of the tubes. As the holes pass the oil impregnated fabric, oil ispushed through the holes to the inside surface. The oil film on thesurface of the tubes reduces the frictional resistance as the tubes cutthe clay column.

Since tubes 3| do not revolve, slots I38 are cut into the bottom of thewalls to guide wires 31, as shown in Figure 5. Since tubes 32 dorevolve, clearances are provided between the lower ends and wires 31. Aplan view of the cuts produced on the column by these assemblies ofcutter tubes and wires is shown in Figure 11. Wires 31 producetransverse straight cuts I5I, and the tubes produce circular cuts I45and I46.

Figure 10 shows a plan view of platen plates 5 I. The plates areseparated in order that wires 3'1 may pass through. Recesses HI and I42allow the cutting tubes to pass through. Cut-outs I43 permit the ends ofbrackets 33 and the wire hooks 34 and 35 to pass below the plane of theplatens.

Referring to Figure 5, ejectors BI and 62 are introduced for the purposeof pushing the cores cut by the tubes out of the column. These ejectorsare mounted within frame 5 which has the same rectangular shape ascutter frame 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, angle bars 49 and 53 aresecured to form the top of the structure. Brackets 54, which are mountedon angle bars 49, secure vertical hollow shafts 48. The bottom of shafts48 are attached to brackets 55 which connected by horizontal bars 50.The framework is connected transversely near the bottom by means ofbrackets 5| and round bars 52 in the same manner that brackets 29 andround bars 2! connect cutter framework 4.

Rectangular bars are attached to angle bars 49, bridging the top of theejector framework. Connected to bars 60 and projecting downward areejector shafts BI and 62. At the bottom of the shafts are attachedejector pistons I21 and I23, Figure 5. Each piston has a slide fit inits corresponding hollow cutting tube. For the small cutter tubes thepistons and shafts may be integral as shown by shafts GI and pistonsl2I. For the larger cutters, pistons I28 may be cored to reduce weight.Since the ejectors will be traveling down while the tubular cutters andwires 31 are traveling up, interference between the wires and pistonsmust be overcome. For this purpose, diametrical slots I39 and I40,slightly wider than the diameter of the wires, are cut vertically intothe bottom of the pistons. These slots are aligned with the wires andextend deep enough into the pistons to avoid interference between thebottom of the slots and the wires during operation. For both pistonsslots I39 and I40 and cutter slots I38, the entrance to the slots may bechamfered to guide the wire into the narrow slots.

It may be desirable to cut a column into units which have correspondingtongues and grooves. Figure 12 shows such units where tongues I49 andgrooves I48 are centrally located. Mortar recesses I45 are maintainedthe same as those of Figure 12. The cutter apparatus to accomplish suchcontour cutting is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Cylindrical cutters 3| forcutting recesses I45 along with ejecting pistons I21 and lubricators I32 are the same as those shown in Figure 5. In order to cut the tongueand groove, thin walled cutter I36 has one half of the cylindricaltubing cut away for the portion that enters the clay column. The bottomof cutter I36 contains teeth I3] through which cutting wire 31 isthreaded.

The cutting wire passes through small cutters 3i in the same manner aspreviously.

Since there is no longer a clay slug cut by the center cutter, ejectorpiston I28 and shaft 62 are omitted. Since the cutter is not rotated,ball bearing assembly 38 may be omitted or clamped so as to preventrotation. Neither are motor 4| and pulleys 44 and 45 required.

The cutting apparatus may be varied so that tongues and grooves can becut at the sides of the column and recesses at the center or in othercombinations.

Referring to Figure 1, the power to reciprocate the cutter and ejectorframes is supplied by electrical motor 68 through speed reducer 10. Themotor-reducer is mounted on bracket 68 which is attached to the base ofcarriage 3. Through pulley 1I, mounted on the output shaft of the speedreducer, belt 12 and pulley 13 mounted on clutch mechanism I52, shaft 65is rotated. The shaft rotates in journal bearings 2!, mounted on bearingblocks 20.

The bearing blocks are mounted to the base of carriage 3 throughrectangular bars I8. Secured to the ends of shaft 65 are cranks 66. Asshown in Figure 2, connecting rods 58 connect the cranks with the cutterframe through brackets 51 and wrist pins I53. Thus, when crank shaft 65rotates, cutter frame 3 reciprocates vertically within bearing blocks23.

In Figure 1, clutch mechanism I52 is of the single revolution type. Thedriven member will rotate a single revolution and automaticallydisengage. While other types such as the friction or jaw design may beused, the type shown employs the wedging action of rollers between a camand a circular race. Pulley 13 is keyed to driving member 14 whichrotates constantly on the crank shaft while motor 68 is operating. Acircular race is carried by driving, or outer, member 14. The inner ordriven member is keyed to shaft 65. A cage encloses the clutch rollers,spacing them radially between the circular race and the roller cam partof inner member 15. As shown in Figure 2, trip cam 8|, having step 82,is connected with the roller cage and serves to move the rollers in andout of driving contact between the roller cam and the race. To controlthe clutch, trip lever 16 is pivotally mounted on bracket 80 which issecured to the base of carriage 3. One end of the trip lever contactscam step 82. The other end of the lever is connected to armature 11 ofelectrical solenoid 18. When the trip lever engages the cam step, theclutch is released, the shaft 65 remaining stationary, and drivingmember 14 continuing to rotate. When the trip lever is moved out ofcontact with the cam step by the energization of the solenoid, theclutch immediately engages, causing shaft 65 to rotate. During theengagement period, both members of the clutch rotate. Trip cam 8Irevolves with the inner member, counter-clockwise, as shown in Figure 2.A spring, not shown, keeps the end of trip lever 16, in contact with theouter surface of the trip cam, so that upon completion of a revolution,cam step 82 is engaged, releasing the clutch. The clutch continuesreleased until another cycle is initiated by energizing solenoid 18.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, ejector frame 5 is driven by shaft 65through a pair of spur gears and another single revolution clutch. Gear83, keyed to shaft 65, drives gear 84 which is keyed to inner or drivingmember I54 of clutch I53. This member rotates on shaft 64 when shaft 65is rotating and the clutch is disengaged. Outer,

or driven, member I55, is keyed to shaft 64. As shown in Figure 3, whichis a view of the clutch mechanism from the front end of the machine, oneend of trip lever I51 engages the step of trip cam I56 when the clutchis released. Trip lever I 51 is in the form of a bell crank and ispivoted at shaft I6I which is secured to bracket I58. Bracket I58 ismounted on the base of cutter frame 3. The other end of trip lever I51carries roll I59 which rides on the periphery of cam I60. Cam I60 .iskeyed to shaft 65. Thus when shaft 65 rotates, shaft 64 is stationaryuntil rise I62 of cam I60 reaches roll I59, moving trip lever I51 out ofcontact with the step of clutch cam I56. The clutch then remains engageduntil a full revolution is completed, counter-clockwise in Figure 3, atwhich point the trip lever urged against the periphery of cam I56 bymeans of a spring, not shown, contacts the step and disengages theclutch. The number of teeth in gears 83 and 84 is so selected that thetwo crankshafts 64 and 65 reach their top dead centers at approximatelythe same time.

As shown in Figure 1, shaft 64 rotates Within two journal bearings 22which are mounted in bearing blocks 20. At the ends of shaft 64, cranks63 are secured. Connecting rods 58 connect these cranks to the ejectorframe through wrist pins and brackets 56. When crank shaft 64 rotates,ejector frame 5 reciprocates within bearing blocks 23.

For the purpose of conveying the cylindrical slugs of clay, cut by tubes6| and 62, off to the side of the machine, belts 88 are located belowthe platens so as to receive them. See Figures 1 and 2. Shafts 85 and 89are mounted in bearing blocks 86 and 81 respectively. The bearing blocksare secured to angle bars I3. Shaft 85 is rotated from motor and reducer68-10, through pulleys I and I64, and belt I85. The rotation of shaftcauses conveyor belts 88 to travel and throw the cylindrical slugs ofclay to the side of the machine.

For the reciprocating travel of the carriage, a set of wheels and tracksare mounted at the bottom of the machine. As shown in Figure 1, tracksI4 are secured to base channel bars 8 of carriage 3, and tracks I5 aresecured to base 6 of the machine. Base 6 is a fabricated rectangularframework and is fixed to the floor, Wheels I6 attached to axles I! ridebetween the two sets of tracks.

The mechanism for controlling the reciprocating motion of the carriageis shown in Figures 1 and 4. In Figure 1, one of the uprights 88 isomitted in order to show the mechanism more clearly. Uprights 88 aresecured to the base. Motor and speed reducer 99 are mounted on base 6.Pulley 96 keyed to the output shaft of the reducer is coupled by belt 98to pulley 91 which is keyed to driving member I 00 of oscillating clutchI63. Driven member IOI is keyed to shaft I I9. Oscillating clutch I63 isgenerally the same as clutches I52 and I53 except that it carries flyinglock lever I02, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Driving member I00 rotatescounterclockwise on shaft II9. When projection I01 of lever I02 contactsstep I06 of clutch cam I64, the clutch is disengaged because the cagewhich encloses the clutch rollers has moved the rollers out of contactbetween the roller cam of the driven member and the race of the drivingmember. While lock lever I02 is in contact, the driven member is free torotate in a clockwise direction, Figures 8 and 9. When idling, shaftII9,

to which the driven member is keyed, is locked in the position of Figure8. Since the clutch is disengaged, the shaft is unable to rotatecounterclockwise. To prevent clockwise rotation, stop lever H4 contactsstep H3 of cam II2 which is keyed to shaft H9, Figures 1 and 4. Lever H4is pivoted on bracket I I5 which is secured to one of the uprights 88.The opposite end of the lever is attached to armature H6 of the solenoidIII. Solenoid H1 is mounted on'bracket H8 which is attached to one ofthe uprights. The lever is urged against the surface of cam H2 by aspring, not shown. When solenoid I I1 is energized, stop lever H4 ispulled out of contact with the step of cam H2, enabling shaft H9 torevolve counterclockwise, Figure 1. Power to rotate the shaft issupplied by the friction force of column I on platens II and I2 ofcarriage 3. One end of cable I22 is tied to the periphery of pulley I2Iwhich is keyed to shaft H9. The other end of the cable is tied to thecarriage by means of bracket I23 and clamp I24.

If stop lever lid is in contact with step H3 of cam IE2, carriage 3 isunable to move downstream. When the stop lever is pulled out of contact,the carriage travels downstream due to the friction force of clay columnI. The friction force is developed into torque bymeans of cable I22 andpulley I2I, causing shaft H9 to rotate.

Looking at Figures 8 and 9, driven member IIlI of the clutch I63 andshaft H9 rotate clockwise, although driving member Hill is rotatingcounter clockwise. As the driven member revolves, projection IQ! offlying lock lever I512 is maintained in contact with step IE8 of clutchcam E54 by means of tension spring I 94. After revolving about a halfrevolution, the non-pivoted end oi the lock lever contacts stop I09, andprojection I01 is pulled out of contact with clutch cam step I06, Figure9. Tension spring I95 immediately pulls clutch cam I64 counterclockwise.Sincethe clutch cam is connected with the roller cage through aleverage, the rollers are instantly moved into driving contact betweenthe roller cam and the race. and shaft II 9 is rotated counterclockwise,Figure 8, power being supplied by motor 95. Pulley [2| draws cable I22around it, pulling carriage 3 upstream against the friction of column I.

The engagement continues until stop I08 contacts step I06 of clutch camI56, releasing the clutch. At the same time, lock lever I 92 is pulledinto contact with step 895. Aiso at the same moment, stop lever I I ispulled into contact with step H3 of cam H2. Thus, shaft H9 and in turncarriage 3 are locked in position.

Stops Hi8 and I09 are secured to bracket Ht, which is attached to one ofthe uprights 88. Shaft H9 rides in bearings I which are mounted on theuprights.

In order to render the cutting process automatic, a timing mechanism isincorporated on the forward part of the machine, as shown in Figures 1and 4. Drum 85 whose outside is covered with a maierial having a highcoefficient of friction on clay is keyed to shaft 85. Shaft 86 rotatesin bearings 81 which are mounted on uprights 88. Also keyed to shaft 85is gear 89 which drives gear 98. Gear 98 is pinned to earn SI and thetwo rotate on stud [65 which is seemed to one of the uprights 88. Thenumbers of teeth in gears 89 and 90 are selected so that cam 9i makesone revolution when a, length of clay column equal to th distancebetween the first and last cutting wires 3'! has traveled Thus, theclutch is engaged downstream. Drum is located so that the weight of claycolumn I rests upon it, causing it to rotate as the column travels. Therotation results in rise 94 of cam 9| depressing plunger 93 and closingthe contacts oi switch 92 for a moment. Switch 92 is connected to anelectrical power supply and to solenoids 18 and H1. Thus the closing ofswitch 92 energizes the two solenoids simultaneously.

In the operation of the machine, ground clay is tempered with water tothe proper consistency and is then pugged and extruded through die 2 bya set of angers as a continuous stream of clay column I which is stillin the plastic stage. Die 2 has cores to produce the voids as shown in across section of the column, Figures 2 and 4.

Referring to Figure 1, motor 4| is constantly rotating. The motion istransmitted through pulleys 43, M, and 45 and belts 45 and 41 tocylindrical cutters 32 which rotate within ball bearing units 38. Motor68 transmits its constant rotary motion through speed reducer 'IIl,pulleys TI and I3, and belt 12 to driving member M of single revolutionclutch I52. Motor 95 transmits its constant rotary motion through speedreducer 99, pulleys 96 and 81', and belt 98 to driving member Hill ofoscillating clutch I53. Driving member I4 rotates on shaft 55. Drivingmember I rotates on shaft I I8. Conveyor belts 58 are also constantlytraveling, being driven from motor 58 through pulleys I63 and I64 andbelt I55.

Before the cycle starts, carriage 3 is locked in its upstream position.Contact of lever H4 on cam step I I3 prevents its movement downstream bythe friction force of the column on platens II and I2. Disengagement ofclutch I63 prevents its movement upstream. Cutter framework 4 is lookedjust beyond the top dead center position clue to the disengagement ofclutch I52 by lever I5. Ejector framework 5 is also looked just beyondits top dead center position by lever I51 disengaging clutch I53.

Column I traveling over drum 85 causes it to rotate and in turn cam 9|revolves. Cut I61 of the column was made by the first upstream set ofcutters. When this cut reaches the last set of cutters as shown inFigure 1, rise 94 closes switch 92. Solenoids I I I and I8 are thenenergized. The energization of solenoid IIl, pulls lever II 4 out ofcontact with cam step H3, releasing carriage 3 from its locked position.The friction force of the column rapidly accelerates the carriage sothat the carriage and column travel downstream in synchronization.

The energization of solenoid I8, pulls lever 15 out of contact with camstep 82, allowing clutch I52 to immediately engage. Shaft 65 thenrotates and through cranks 66 and connecting rods 59, cutter frame 3moves down in nearly simple harmonic motion. Cutting wires 3I, smalltubular cutters 3| and large tubular cutters 32 penetrate verticallythrough the column, passing slightly below platens II and I2. Thecutting frame with all the cutters pass up through the column in exactlythe same path as when traveling down. Large tubular cutters 32 arerotating throughout this period of cutting.

As soon as shaft 65 rotates, driving member I54 of clutch I53 rotates onshaft 54 through gears 83 and 84. When the cutters have penetratedthrough the bottom of the clay column, rise I62 of cam I60 which rotateswith shaft 65, strikes roll I59, tripping lever I51, causing theengagement of clutch I53. See Figure 3. Im-

mediately, shaft 64 rotates and drives ejector frame through cranks 63and connecting rods 58, as shown in Figure 1. Ejector pistons, I21 andI28 (Figure 5) push the slugs of clay down through the tubular cutters3| and 32 and through the clay column. The clay slugs drop onto thebelts 88 and are conveyed to the side of the machine where another beltcan pick them up and. return them to the pug mill. Since the cutters aretraveling up while the ejectors are traveling down, pistons 3I and 32pass partially below the bottom of the tubular cutters. Wires 31 enterslots I39 and I40 provided in the pistons.

In the meantime, carriage 3 aided by the clamping action of the cuttingtubes on the column, has been traveling downstream with the column. Thespeeds of shafts 64 and 65 are such that cutter frame 4 and ejectorframe 5 reach their top positions at approximately the same timealthough the ejector frame started down later. Both frames stop justbeyond their top dead centers automatically by the operation of thesingle revolution clutches. Since solenoid 18 was deenergized as soon asrise of timing cam I passed beyond plungers 3 of switch 92, lever I6 isurged against the surface of clutch cam 8|. When the full revolution ofthe shaft is completed, the lever strikes step 82 and releases theclutch. At the same time, once the rise I62 of cam IEO passed beyondroll I59, lever I51 was urged against the surface of clutch cam I56.Clutch I53 is released upon the lever striking the step of clutch camI56.

Carriage 3 in traveling downstream rotates shaft H9 through cable I22and pulley Driven member I III of oscillating clutch I53 ro tates withthe shaft. Driving member Int continues to rotate in the oppositedirection. The clutch I63 remains released due to projection EIII oflock lever I02 which is secured to the driven member maintaining contactwith step iii of clutch cam I64.

After carriage 3 has traveled a predetermined distance downstream, theend of lock lever I02 strikes trip lever I09. Clutch cam IE4 is releasedand clutch IE3 is engaged. Shaft IIS now rotates in the oppositedirection, pulling carriage 3 back by drawing cable I22 onto pulley I2I.The location of trip lever Hi9 and the speed of shaft 65 are such thateven with the fastest posd sible speed of column I, the cutters andejector pistons are out of the clay, when the carriage starts returning.If the column is slow, the carriage continues to travel downstreamthrough the predetermined distance while the cutter and ejector framesare idle at the top positions.

Carriage 3 travels upstream until trip lever I68 strikes step Ills ofclutch cam I54. Cam I64 revolves slightly permitting projection I81 oflever Hi2 to engage step Hit. The clutch is released and shaft H9 ceasesrotating. At the same time that lever Hi2 engages step I86, the solenoidlever II4 engages step II3 of cam I52, preventing the carriage fromtraveling downstream.

The units cut from the clay column are pushed downstream, off theplatens I2 onto a belt conveyor from which they are loaded onto dryingcars.

A new cycle is initiated when rise of cam 9! again closes the contactsof switch 912.

Figure 11 shows a plan view of tile units I ls as cut from the columnimmediately after the cutters have passed through and before the slugshave been ejected. Figure 13 shows a plan view IZL.

of tile units I44 as they appear in a wall construction. Mortar I41 isplaced along the side walls, the recesses I45 locking it in place.Because of the look, less mortar can be used than with tile havingstraight ends. Recess I46 serves to discourage a mason from usingexcessive mortar and also can be used for passing electrical conduits orpipes. Recesses I45 along with recess I46 present a tortuous path forany moisture that may tend to penetrate between the tile unit and themortar. Thus, the recesses in the units out by my machine, provide astronger and more economical Wall and lend greater resistance tomoisture penetration.

Figure 12 shows a plan view of tile units I50 as cut from the columnimmediately after the cutters of Figure 6 have passed through. Figure 14shows a plan view of tile units I56 as they appear in a wallconstruction. The groove I48 and tongue I49 form an interlock. This wallpresents the advantages of an economical and moisture resistant wall,the same as that of Figure 13. It does not lend itself to theconcealment of piping, but it does provide a stronger wall due to thetile interlock.

Although two different contours of out have been disclosed, an unlimitednumber of variations are possible. The machine can cut straight ends athigh speeds. Cylindrical cutters, semicylindrical cutters, and evenstraight sheet cutters can be used in any number of variations.

It will be appreciated that for many of the mechanical devices, othermeans may accomplish the same results. Jaw type friction or electricalclutches may be substituted for the single revolution and oscillatingroller clutches described. The intermittent motion between shafts and 64may be secured by intermittent gears among other means. I The verticalmotion of the cutter and ejector frames may be produced by cams,hydraulic power, or other mechanical means. The reciprocating motion ofthe carriage may also be obtained by cams, hydraulic power, or othermechanical means without departing from the scope of the invention incutting machines.

Although described as applied to a clay column, the invention may alsobe used on any plastic column.

Figures 15 and 16 show in detail the internal structure of anoscillating clutch. Figure 15 is a longitudinal section through thecenter. Figure 16 is a section through the plane IG-Ifi of Figure 15.

Driving member I 00 rotates on shaft I I9 when the clutch is disengaged.To the flanged portion of the driving member, hardened steel race I6! isattached. Driven member IBI is keyed to shaft II9. To the bushingportion I1fi, roller cam III) is keyed. Between race I61 and cam III], aplurality of rollers I13 are spaced. The rollers are held-in place byroller cage 58 and enclosure I69. The roller cage has a rotating slidefit on bushing I16. The roller cage is revolved through a small are bythe action of trip cam I54 which also acts as a pivoted lever. Pivot pinI'II is secured to hub I03 which is keyed to bushing I15. Trip cam I64is actuated at step I136 by trip lever IIIB, Figure 8, causing it torevolve about pin I1I. Cam I64 revolves roller cage I58, by means of pinI64 which is secured to the cam diametrically opposite step IIIS. PinI12 slides in slot I13 of cage I58. Lock lever IIIZ is pivoted at pinIII which is secured to cage I38. Pin III may be secured to hub I03 forthe same result.

The clutch is disengaged when trip lever I I18 strikes step I66 of tripcam IE4. In this position, roller cage IE8 is revolved so that therollers I13 are moved out of contact between the race I61 and fiatsurfaces I14 of roller cam I10. The clutch is still disengaged, eventhough lever I08 is not in contact with step I06, if lock lever I02 hasits projection I07 in contact with step I06. Lever I02 holds cam I04 inthe position which maintains rollers I73 out of driving contact. Forclutch engagement, step I06 of cam I64 must be free so that spring Iwhich is attached to hub I03 will pull cam I64 and in turn cage IE8 isrevolved to move rollers I13 into driving position between race I61 andflat surfaces I'M.

Although described with respect to a roller type of clutch, theoscillating clutch principle may be applied to a jaw type or a frictionclutch, mechanically or electrically operated. The flying lock lever I02is mounted on the driven member. Disengagement is maintained until thelock lever is tripped, releasing the mechanism for engagement. The samedevice may be applied to an eddy current or magnetic clutch by havingthe lock lever hold open a switch, mounted on the driven member, duringdisengagement. Upon tripping the lock lever, the circuit is closed andthe clutch is energized for engagement.

It is obvious that many changes of detail can be arranged withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

What I claim is:

1. In a device for simultaneously piercing and cutting an extrudedplastic column, the combination of a track base, a primary frameoperably mounted for movement on said track base, a first power sourceconnected to eiiect reciprocatory movement of said frame, a controlmechanism operably disposed and actuated by movement of said plasticcolumn to correlate said frame movement with the movement of saidcolumn, a, table attached to said primary frame and disposed to receivesaid column, a secondary frame mounted on said primary frame, aplurality of cutting wires mounted on said secondary frame, a pluralityof other cutting means mounted on said secondary frame, and a secondpower means connected to actuate said secondary frame intermittently andallow said cutting Wires and other cutting means to operate on saidplastic column.

2. In a device for simultaneously piercing and cutting an extendedplastic column, the combination of a track, a primary frameworkincluding a plastic column receiving platen operably mounted on saidtrack, a first power source connected to effect reciprocatory movementor said framework, a timing mechanism actuated upon engagement with saidmovable column to control said primary framework movement in relation tosaid column movement, a secondary framework operably carried on saidprimary framework, a plurality of cutting wires mounted on saidsecondary framework, a plurality of piercin cutters operably mounted onsaid secondary framework,

a second power source operably connected to effect intermittentsecondary framework movement, and a third power source operably disposedto rotate said other cutter means whereby said secondary frameworkmovement serves to operate said cutting wires and other rotatablecutting means simultaneously while engaging said column and effect apiercing and cutting operation thereon.

3. In a device for simultaneously piercing and cutting an extrudedplastic column, the combination of a track, a primary frameworkincluding a plastic column receiving platen operably mounted on saidtrack, a first power source connected to effect reciprocatory movementof said frame, a timing mechanism actuated upon engagement with saidmovable column to control said primary framework movement in relation tosaid column movement, a secondary framework operably mounted on saidpriz'nai'y framework, a plurality of cutting wires mounted on saidsecondary framework, a plurality of piercing cutters operably disposedin alignment with said cutting wires for operation in the same planetherewith and mounted on said secondary framework, a second power sourceconnected to effect intermittent secondary framework movement togetherwith simultaneous movement of said cutting wires and said piercingcutters, and control means disposed to control said second power sourcewhereby said cutters operate to engage and out said plastic column at apredetermined position of said primary framework on said tracks.

JOSEPH J. GANO.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 691,059 Jones Jan. 14, 1902 812,702 Stuart Feb. 13, 19061,108,845 Jensen Aug. 25, 1914 1,132,851 Jensen Mar. 23, 1915 1,340,824Crozier May 18, 1920 1,692,160 Domer Nov. 20, 1928 1,737,847 HottingerDec. 3, 1929 1,728,373 Shipley -1 Sept. 17, 1929 1,749,375 Dahl Mar. 4,1930 1,789,558 Makowski Jan. 20, 1931 1,811,412 Whitacre June 23, 19311,880,872 Denton Oct. 4, 1932 1,973,092 Mooney Sept. 11, 1934 2,029,625Lee et al. Feb. 4, 1936 2,075,038 Hutchinson Mar. 30, 1937 2,107,068Dauwalter Feb. 1, 1938 2,200,730 Smallwood et a1. May 14, 1940 2,263,474Scheibl Nov. 18, 1941 2,272,895 Stevens Feb. 10, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTSNumber Country Date 534,670 Great Britain Mar. 13, 1941

